Wetland birding habitat

Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/18/2026Manalapn NJ1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/18/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Backyard/Princeton1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Home1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/17/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/17/2026Goodhue Park1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/17/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Mt. Loretto Unique Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

Mourning Dove

74/18/2026

Laughing Gull

54/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/18/2026

Red-throated Loon

14/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

34/18/2026

Blue Jay

44/18/2026

Fish Crow

24/18/2026

Common Raven

14/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/18/2026

Tree Swallow

24/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

34/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

Carolina Wren

24/18/2026

European Starling

24/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) for birding?
The best months to visit Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Notable species at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Birding at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.